UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ....

BASLE - SHAKHTAR DONETSK

I have talked about Donetsk a lot over the last couple of years, they are constantly improving and after two consecutive seasons in which they have made the group stage of the Champions League,five in total, it is time for them to finally progress. I know that they are quite happy with their draw, with Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon also in the group. Last year they looked set for the breakthrough, especially after winning their two opening games, but after a gung-ho defeat in the San Siro, where they truly believed they would win, they seemed to lose confidence and fell away.

They are a strong, talented side, containing half a dozen Brazilians, european stars Razvan Rat and Darijo Srna and a Bolivian superstar in Marcelo Moreno, whom you should watch out for. They are owned by Rinat Akmetov, who is said to be europe's richest man, so money is not really a problem.

Experienced Shakhtar boss, Mircea Lucescu, speaking yesterday, seemed very confident : "Definitely, domestic league matches can’t be compared to the Champions League clashes. We know Basel quite well. The Swiss squad are physically strong. But I consider my side as more technically skilled. Every team tries to achieve good result at the beginning of the competition. The beginning will determine the entire campaign."

Hosts have 3-4 players missing and are likely to adopt a fairly negative approach, at level ball I am happy to take the visitors.

5.5 points Shakhtar level ball 2.16 asian line.

Back Later.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ....

ENGLAND PREMIERSHIP

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - ASTON VILLA

These two will both be aiming for a top six finish at the very least this season, anything less will definitely be seen as failure, especially by the Spurs faithful. After a rocky start, they steadied the ship with a fine point at Stamford Bridge, which is about as rare as a happy Newcstle United supporter and are now looking to build on that. The Berbatov debacle is now a thing of the past and the signing of Corluka and Pavlyuchenko, both of whom will debut tonight, plus a few million in the bank, in exchange, must be seen as good business.

Villa have yet to impress this campaign and have struggled to keep a clean sheet, just two in twelve, which incluDES starts against such leading lights as Lincoln City and Hafnarfjordur (twice). We might not see a repeat of last season's 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane, but we should be royally entertained. MON's side have struggled here in recent seasons and have not won in eight visits, just once in 12. Their last away win in the league was 7 games ago at hapless Derby County.

A lot of quality in both camps, but Spurs really need a win, they are my idea of the 5th best team in the Premiership and I expect them to prove it tonight. I see Pavy as a perfect swap for Berbatov and the Bulgarian might not even be missed.

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Sanchez, Zokora, Gunter, Corluka, Bale, Assou-Ekotto, Gilberto, King, Woodgate, Dawson, Modric, Bentley, Jenas, Huddlestone, Taarabt, O'Hara, Lennon, Boateng, dos Santos, Pavlyuchenko, Bent.

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, L Young, Laursen, Davies, Cuellar, Knight, Shorey, Milner, Barry, Reo-Coker, A Young, Petrov, Gardner, Osbourne, Routledge, Guzan, Carew, Agbonlahor, Harewood.

6 points Tottenham -1/2 ball 2.18 asian line... a little 2.20 around.

Good Luck.

MONDAY ........

We have a very interesting and sports packed week ahead, with the start of the group stages of the Champions League and culminating in the Ryder Cup.

I have just finished today's newsletter, where, I have briefly looked at two matches taking place this evening and also discussed four other teams in more general terms, one in particular I think will make us decent money in the coming weeks. This, to me, is what makes the service such fantastic value for money at circa $3 per day.

Because this gives a true reflection of the newsletter, I am happy to send out a free copy to any of you that contact me using this link , please do so before 19.00 cet today. The reason I do not want to post much of this information on an open forum, is because it refers to future events, which we will be betting on and some have yet to be priced up by the bookmakers.

Having said that, I will post one of today's previews on the blog, late afternoon, so please check back.

ITALY .......... SERIE A

GENOA - MILAN

Milan seem so much happier away from the San Siro and I do feel that they will win today, but prefer to go with the "over". There were 36 attempts on goal ( both ends) in the home loss to Bologna and with Ronaldinho, Kaka, Shevchenko and Pato all competing for places, goals should not be a problem for the Rossoneri . Genoa created plenty in the loss at Catania on matchday 1 and are hoping for big things from returning hero Diego Milito, who has re-signed from Zaragoza. He scored 33 goals in 59 appearances for the home side previously and 20,000 fans turned up to welcome him home.

Last year Milan scored a league high 35 goals on the road, where their games averaged just a shade under 3.0 per game, which included a 3-0 win in this fixture. Only two teams outside the drop zone , conceded more home goals than Genoa. With so many attacking options on display and both teams keen to record a first win of the season, this seems sure to provide plenty of entertainment.

6.5 points over 2.5 goals Genoa- Milan 1.96 asian line.

Back Later

SUNDAY PLANS ......

I was very disappointed by the Huddersfield Town result yesterday, I gave seven selections on the email, the four not given on the blog all won and it would have been a clean sweep if Town could have held on to an early lead. Never mind, that is in the past now.

Took a fairly brief look at six matches, all football, on the newsletter service today and will carry something from those selections on the blog through the afternoon, the first will be online shortly, so please check back.

Good Luck.

ENGLISH LOWER LEAGUE FOOTBALL ............. NOT ALWAYS A PRETTY SIGHT !

DIVISION 1

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN - TRANMERE ROVERS

Going to stick with Town, who finally got off the mark in the league, with a come from behind win at Cheltenham last weekend. They seem certain to stick with the available striking trio of Jevons, Parker and Dickinson and their pace should trouble a defence that looks likely to be without two key players and with another, Ian Goodison, named POTY for the last two seasons, carrying an injury and surely feeling drained, after playing for Jamaica in Mexico and Honduras, over the last seven days. We have discussed Huddersfield many times already, especially in the pre season preview and they look a side finally starting to gel. Reports from training this week have been superb, with confidence levels sky high, they owe their fans a home win and it should come today.

6 points Huddersfield -1/2 ball 2.00 asian line..... there is a little 2.10 around .

SWINDON TOWN - LEEDS UNITED

Leeds are another side really eager to get going today. Aside from the suspended Lubo Michalik, they have a fully fit squad to choose from and competition for places is keen. They get a little more freedom away from Elland Road, where teams tend to try and "shut up shop", this is clear from the eight goals they have scored in three starts, creating an average of 16 attempts on goal in each. At Scunthorpe, they managed an incredibly high 25 attempts at the Scunny goal and the home side have given that formline a boost, by winning four in a row, scoring ten goals. Hosts have a few injury concerns and are yet to keep a clean sheet, it is hard to see that changing today, Leeds will , as always, have a huge travelling support cheering them on, they have sold their allocation of 3,000 tickets and many more are sure to have made other plans to attend.

6.5 points Leeds United -1/4 ball 1.96 asian line.

DIVISION 2

ROTHERHAM - ROCHDALE

My brother knows nothing about betting, but is a pretty good judge of football teams, having said that, he also supports Brentford ! He rated Rochdale as the best side to play at Griffin Park last season and boss Keith Hill has managed to keep most of his squad intact. They have not really hit form this season yet, it was always going to take a little time to get over the play-off final loss, but they remain a talented side and they will come good very soon, if not this week, then next. They suffered a terrible loss when Paul Conway their Sports Scientist, a very popular figure at the club, passed away last week, the players were not in any mood to against Wycombe and it showed. They have come to terms with things this week and want a good result today in his name, ahead of the funeral on Monday. Young Ipswich striker Jordan Rhodes has joined on loan and goes straight into the squad, sooner or later they are going to start converting the many chances they are creating (74 verses Rotherham's 50) and someone will be on the end of a thumping.

Hosts have been a little negative in their approach recently and have not scored in 363 minutes of football. Dale did the double last year, with an 8-3 goal difference, scoring four in each game, they might not be so prolific today, but are unlikely to go home empty handed.

6 points Rochdale +1/4 ball 1.95 asian line.

ODDS CORRECT AND EMAIL SENT 10.30 AM

Good Luck with all your bets today.

FRANCE LIGUE 2 ........

CLERMONT - TROYES

I have been subject to power cuts/surges several times today and it has caused me to lose a lot of my notes on today's matches, which is a bit of a ........ pain. So, very briefly ....

Although they have yet to prove it on the pitch, Troyes have fantastic attacking options at the club with six proven gaolscsorers on their books. They might take heart from a come from behind win over Angers in midweek and will fancy their chances at a venu, where they have won on their last two visits. They are unbeaten in six meetings and Clermont, in that so often difficult second season following promotion, are conceding far too freely, allowing two or more in four of their last five starts, including four in a bit of a thumping from Boulogne in midweek.

Once Troyes really shake off the disappointment of missing out on promotion last season, I expect them to climb the table, here would be a good place to start.

6 points Troyes level ball asian line 2.23

Good Luck.

NETHERLANDS ...........

EREDIVISIE

HEERENVEEN - HERACLES

I find it impossible not to see goals in this fixture, hosts have won the last two meetings here with a 14-1 goal difference and despite selling two key players in the summer and also losing their coach , their attacking instincts remain and they started the season with a thrilling 3-2 away win at Volendam. Heracles looked in big trouble at home to Feyenoord in their opener, going a goal down early and coming close to conceding a second, before the visitors were reduced to ten men, which completely changed the course of the game. Heracles conceded more goals than any team outside the relegation zone last season, apart from Sparta.Heerenveen were very prolific at the other end of the pitch,scoring a huge 88 goals, aside fron Ajax, no other side came within 24 of that total, which, over just 34 games is an incredible total.

6 points over 3.25 goals 1.96 asian line.

Back later.

SHOCK, HORROR !...... ENGLAND WIN A BIG GAME ........

.... and it has come in September, normally a disaster of a month for the national team.

Not going to get too carried away, but Fabio Capello did what it said on the tin and at least fielded a balanced looking side, who all knew what they were supposed to be doing and is/was prepared to make changes, before going a goal down !

Not a good day betting wise and the laptop was very lucky to survive the Portugal-Denmark game. Two bets on the match, firstly the half time draw and all went well until the 43rd minute, when Portugal scored with two men clearly offside, clearly, that is, to all except the match officials ! Nevermind, I still had my small saver on the full time stalemate and all looked fine and dandy when the Danes equalised in the 90th minute, until .......... well, you can guess the rest !

I have just put two selections on the newsletter today, one taking place this evening and the second is a long term wager, both are around the 5.0 mark and look to offer excellent value. It is very unlikely that I will be able to put either on the blog, but please check back tomorrow.

Good Luck with all your bets today.

SOUTH AMERICA ........

PERU- ARGENTINA

Hosts have already held Brazil and Colombia on home soil and play on the back of a win over Venezuela, but have injury problems tonight with several key names including Farfan and Pizarro missing and others facing late tests. Argentina have gone off the boil and have gone five matches without a win. They were not helped by Carlos Tevez again getting sent off at the weekend and he will be suspended this evening, along with Mascherano. Sergio Aguero came off the bench to score the equaliser after the dismissal and he looks sure to start tonight. He is already in top goalscoring form and Riquelme and Messi are bound to create plenty of chances for him, against an opponent whom they have beaten seven times in a row. Visitors will be keen to get back on track and will be happy to get away from the pressure of playing in BA, they should win, but I see greater value in the odds of Aguero getting on the scoresheet, with what, if anything, looks a more attacking line up than they have fielded recently.

4.5 points Aguero to score anytime 2.50 general quote ..... 2.75 in places.

Good Luck.

PORTUGAL - DENMARK ...........

Denmark failed to breakdown a dogged Hungarian defence at the weekend, but gave away little defensively and it is their turn to put up the shutters tonight, facing a home side that remain without Ronaldo and Quaresma. Portugal come here on the back of two easy wins over minnows Faroe Islands (5-0) and Malta (4-0), however, it is worthy of note that the goals took some time to come. Three came in the second half against Malta and the same number arrived in the last 4 minutes against the Faroes.

Now that they meet a much more talented outfit, we can take a chance on them being similarly tardy this evening. I expect the Danes to keep things very tight early, as they have done ever since the debacle in Copenhagen against Sweden. In eight competitive starts since that fateful night, only European champions Spain, have scored a first half goal against them. In what will be a half empty stadium, I will take the half time draw and also chance a little on the visitors holding out for the full 90 minutes.

4 points half time draw 2.25 +.... circa 2.375 Bet 365 /exchanges.

2 points full time draw 4.10 exchanges.

Back Later.

IT'S A WORLDWIDE WORLD CUP WEDNESDAY !

Firstly, thank you for the fantastic response to the "sale" yesterday.

I have suggested wagers on six matches today and also took a brief look at two others, so, in total there were previews of eight football games on the newsletter . Tomorrow, I will carry a very big points selection (7+) on what I think is a major mistake by the bookmakers, currently priced at 5.50 !

Just been watching a dire 1-1 draw between Korea DPR- Korea Republic, the match had draw written all over it and conspiracy theorists will have had a field day, watching the howler of an equaliser conceded by the DPR keeper. That moment aside, it was a waste of 90 minutes of my life ! Hopefully, tonight's matches will supply a great deal more entertainment wise, or, if not, at least a few winners !

I will definitely cover one and possibly two matches on the blog later today, so please check back.

FIRE SALE !

OK, first come, first served.

I have fifteen subscriptions to the email service up for grabs at ridiculous rates, all of which offer terrific value for money.

The quicker you apply, the bigger the saving you will make. Remember, only fifteen are available in total.

The first five to contact me and sign up for a three month subscription, will receive an additional four months completely free, that's seven months in total, for the price of just three and is an offer never made before! The next five will get an extra three months (also a Predictuwin first) and even the last five will get two months completely free.

This means that you can receive the newsletter, directly to your inbox, each and every morning, for less than one euro per day !

Details, of the service can be found on the website www.predictuwin.com payment can be made via paypal, moneybookers, or with any major bank or credit card.

Just send me an email using this link and I will get back to you to confirm that you are one of the lucky 15 and with details of your saving !

Good Luck.

UPDATE: THE FIRST FIVE HAVE NOW GONE .....16.41 UK TIME

THE US OPEN TENNIS FINAL .......

Or the "Grapple in the Apple"as boxing promotor Don King has named it, quite how he has got involved I do not know, but once a publicist ......

In less than seven hours, weather permitting, Andy Murray will step on court Arthur Ashe and attempt to become the first British player to win a tennis Grand Slam event in over 70 years !

I am sure that it will be far from his mind, but the $1.5m prize money will be like pocket money, compared to what victory will be worth in off court earnings.

What am I saying ? Far from his mind ! He is Scottish for goodness sake, forget the trophy, where is my cheque ! Only joking, I have been incredibly impressed by Murray, the tennis he played against Nadal was out of this world. He has come a long way in the last 12 months and all the hard work is paying off. Not only has he bulked up, but you just do not see stamina, ever again being a concern about the pasty Scotsman. Murray's serve is now a real weapon, he has the tactical mind of a true champion and has matured, both as a player and as a man. He looked set to" lose it" at one stage in the fourth set yesterday, but composed himself and got his mind refocused, that would never have happened even 3-4 months ago and he must be getting professional help with this aspect of his game.

I feel that all the pressure is on Federer tonight, the greatest player of his and maybe any generation, has not won a Grand Slam this year and this will be his last chance for 2008. It is hard to see things getting any easier in 2009 and I am not sure that his motivation remains as great. He certainly has a little tummy on him now and covers it with a towel, when changing shirts. OK, that is a small thing maybe, but even a 1% reduction in fitness is going to work against him, with the hungry pack of Nadal, Murray and Djokovic, battling to dethrone King Roger.

I am already with Murray, having tipped him to subscribers earlier in the tournament at 20.0, but see little value in the final on either side, with the circa 1.55-2.80 quotes just about spot on, taking everything into consideration. Having said that, this the last time you will see 2.80 pre match Murray on a US hardcourt and he is 2-0 (4-1 sets) against Federer on the surface.

The best option ? Sit back, open a beer and enjoy !

Good Luck.

TONY SOPRANO OR BRETT FAVRE ...... IT'S ALL GRAVY TO ERIC MANGINI

NFL WEEK 1
NEW YORK JETS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS @ BUFFALO BILLS
ARIZONA CARDINALS @ SAN FRANCISO 49ers

Sopranos actor and part time Jets coach Eric Mangini, not only kept his job after going 4-12 last season, but was given a blank chequebook and spent $140m signing Brett Favre (!), Alan Feneca (in possession of the biggest contract ever given to an offensive lineman) , Calvin Pace, Tony Richardson and Kris Jenkins. Jets are right to give Mangini more time, he learnt the game from Bill Belichick from the bottom up and is a coach of unlimited potential.

Actually, he is over a year younger than Favre, who game out of the shortest retirement in history, to join New York, in the most talked about trade of the off season.

The schedule has thrown up an incredible opening day meeting with the Dolphins, who snapped up Jets QB Chad Pennington, after he was ditched in favour of Favre. No doubt he will be fired up, to prove his former employers were wrong to let him leave, but not only will he have to get to know his team mates, but they will have to get to know each other ! Amazingly, over 50% of the 53 man Dolphins squad are newcomers. Surely they will take a little longer to gel.

Jets have won 7 of the last 8 meetings and will know Pennington's game inside out. I am happy to give up just three points on the handicap.

Seattle coach Mike Holmgren has announced his retirement and will depart at the end of this season. I never like it when such decisions are made public, it always seems to back fire and should be kept to the boardroom. Long time quarterback Matt Hasselback will start, but has barely practiced, or taken a snap in pre season. Offensively they will be much changed and are without Engram, Branch and Obomanu, one time star running back, Shaun Alexander, has finally departed.

I want to oppose the Seahawks and am happy to do so with a Bills team that look on the "up". They had the 7th ranked defence last year and that has been improved upon in the off season , but were woeful offensively. Having said that, rookie quarterback Trent Edwards went 5-5 and showed immense promise. He has a decent RB in Marshawn Lynch and in Hardy and Evans now has a pair of receivers to go to and suddenly, the offense has a balanced look about it. Home win.

Finally, the 49ers offense is expected to improve big time this year, it will have to,after being ranked the worst in the NFL last year! Offensive genius Mike Martz has been drafted in as coordinator, he brought with him JT O'Sullivan and in a matter of weeks, JT has earned himself the starting quarterback position. Two quality receivers in Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce, who worked with Martz for many years, have been signed and SF have scored quite freely in pre season.

Arizona have Kurt Warner at the helm and he worked for 5-6 years with Martz in St Louis, the pair winning a Superbowl together. MM probably knows Warner's game better than Warner and this gives a big advantage to the 49ers, who look attractively priced to get off to a winning start.

6 points New York Jets -3 points 2.09 Vegas Line.
5 points Buffalo -1 point 1.88 Vegas Line.
5 points San Francisco +1 point 2.14 Vegas Line.

Good Luck.

FABIO GREETS THE ENGLISH MEDIA .........

Fabio Capello's brief period of grace is all but over and after failing to put Andorra to the sword yesterday. The English press are sharpening their knives and keyboard fingers, ahead of the midweek match with Croatia. Capello will realise quite why the job comes with such a huge salary, unless he returns from Zagreb with at least a point.

When he saw the Andorra line up, featuring Viera, Pujol, Xavi and Ayala, he must have started to worry, before realising that all they had in common with their famous counterparts, was a surname.

At the end of the day, England have three points, which is three more than France (3-1 losers in Austria) and Romania, who were trounced 3-0 at home by Lithuania. Italy spared their blushes with an injury time winner against Cyprus and it must be said, that the first week of September, is very early to start such an important round of matches.

I cannot believe that either Andy Murray or Rafael Nadal had the greatest night's sleep, after rain caused their semi-final at the US Open to be called off for the day, with the British player leading by two sets, with Rafa a break up in the third at 3-2. Not sure who the interuption suits the best, Murray I guess, who started the match in incredible fashion and newly bulked up scotsman, had Nadal well and truly on the ropes. However, great champions do not go down without a fight and there is plenty of life left in this one !

I have previewed six events for subscribers today, in addition to which we are heavily involved in the tennis with two outright bets, one at a huge price, still running for us. At the moment, I am planning to cover a couple of these on the blog later in the day, so please check back.

Newsletters are sent out every morning and if you wish to subscribe to the service, full details can be found on the website www.predictuwin.com .

Back Later.

SATURDAY UPDATE ....

There are going to be some very heavy pitches in the UK today, after the huge amount of rain that has fallen in the last 48 hours, so keep that in mind if betting on the lower leagues today.

The forecast is little better in New York, where tropical storm Hannah is on it's way, I hope that they have got that wrong, as I am really looking forward to the Murray-Nadal, Federer-Djokovic and Williams-Jankovic matches.

Blog readers have done very well in the last 7 days, with Chievo, Recreativo, Grimsby Town and Jelena Jankovic all winning and we are waiting on Serena Williams, given at 1.90 and now circa 1.30 to complete the clean sweep.

I have been busy all morning with the newsletter, where I have looked at eight sporting events and given selections in six, all football bets. It is very unlikely that I will post any of these on the blog today, so you can keep hold of this week's profits for another day.

Good Luck with your bets today.

US OPEN TENNIS ...........

I cannot put any of today's football bets online, one has already come in a full 1/4 ball on the asian line and the other two contain comments, I do not wish to publish on an open forum. Only because I will be returning to them in the coming week or so.Therefore, we are left with the tennis....

WOMEN'S SEMI FINALS

JELENA JANKOVIC-ELENA DEMENTIEVA

SERENA WILLIAMS -DINARA SAFINA

Jelena Jankovic leads the rivalry with Elena Dementieva 4-3, 3-2 on outdoor hardcourts, including two grand slam victories, one here in 2006, winning in the quarter finals 6-2, 6-1, when she tore the Russian apart. In the semis that year, Jankovic was toying with Justine Henin and had the eventual champ on the ropes, before nerves got the better of her.

I have the greatest respect for Dementieva , who time and time again has had to exorcise those terrible serving demons and who is in the form of her life, with a Beijing Olympic gold medal to show for it. However, I cannot get that previous meeting here out of my mind and if the younger, Serbian player really goes for it, especially on her opponent's, still vunerable, second serve, she could make a mockery of the big odds on offer. I can only make Dementieva the narrowest of favourites.

Jankovic has worked very hard on her conditioning here over the past fortnight, let's be brutal, she is a bit of a hypocondriac, many tennis players are and it is a rare tournament that she does not have several complaints and multiple stappings. Doubtless she will have benefitted from the two days clean break since the quarters and if she gets that lovely backhand flowing, could be the first into the final.

There, she will lose to Serena Williams.

In form, you simply cannot oppose the american superstar, except with a sibling. Goodness knows how many slams the Williams' would have to their name, if they had stayed fully fit and 100% committed to the game, throughout their career. As athletes, they are head and shoulders ahead of the rest, with only Henin able to compete .

Safina has had a fanatstic run, winning in LA and Montreal, before making the Beijing final, winning 37 of her last 41 matches. Main reason for her improvement, is her increased fitness levels both physically and mentally.

These two are not unlike each other, but Serena matches up well , being just a little stronger in every department and is much quicker around the court, in her movement, the russian still appears slow and cumbersome. Williams feels that she owns this tournament and should have dominated it, like Venus has at Wimbledon, she is not going to let a chance for a third US Open title slip this time, especially as it will take her past "big sis", who also has two tournament wins to her name and coming on Arthur Ashe court, which has real meaning to her.

4.5 points Jankovic to beat Dementieva 2.58 exchanges

6.5 points Serena Williams outright 1.90 exchanges.

Good Luck.

TGIF ...........

Huge weekend of sport, with the conclusion of the US Open, the last Grand Slam tennis event of 2008 and a massive number of World Cup qualifiers.

Organisers and sponsors of the Open must be feeling very pleased with themselves, especially with the mens event, where they have a semi-final line up featuring NADAL- MURRAY and FEDERER - DJOKOVIC, the four top ranked players in the world.

The women's event has attractions of it's own, with SERENA WILLIAMS-SAFINA and JANKOVIC- DEMENTIEVA match ups. As is normal at Flushing Meadow, Super Saturday is scheduled, with the men's semis and women's final all set for the same day, that might create problems this year, none of the matches look likely to be quick and there is a severe weather warning for New York.

I have been very busy this morning sending out a 1600 word newsletter, covering previews of six sporting events, four matches taking place tonight and the other two being decided tomorrow.

We are operating a three month minimum subscription to the newsletter service now, but as usual on a friday, I have an offer and will add a month free to anyone joining today. This brings the daily rate down to below $2.46 , which is a very competitive price. Further details are on the website www.predictuwin.com, or you are welcome to email me, using the "contact us" button on the site.

Good Luck.

TONIGHT'S FOOTBALL ...........

JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY
CHESTERFIELD - GRIMSBY TOWN

These two met just 11 days ago at Grimsby and Chesterfield took the points, winning fair and square with the only goal of the game. However, at the time Town were still reeling from a 4-0 thumping, administered by my beloved Bees. They are not as bad as recent results might suggest and put in a vastly improved performance at neighbours Lincoln, over the weekend, when they reverted to a 3-5-2 , which suits their squad much better. Peter Till, whose ability I discussed last season, was pushed up front and looked very dangerous, helping the Mariners to seven attempts on target and scoring their only goal of the game. They will stick with that formation tonight and will probably be fired up by the competition, after making the final last year and playing in front of almost 60,000 fans at Wembley stadium.

Hosts would probably rather play this away from home, at Saltergate, they have been poor and won just a third of their starts in the last two years, losing both home league games this season. They are like two different sides, at home where they have lost confidence and away where they are happy to take the game to their opponents , as hosts, they have to be opposed for the time being. Aside from the last meeting, this series has been dominated by Grimsby over recent years and I am happy to side with them getting a half goal start, at odds against. Several of their cup games last season went the distance and another penalty shoot out, would not surprise me at all.

5.5 points Grimsby Town +1/2 ball 2.13 asian line.

Good Luck.

VERY PLEASING END TO THE WEEK ........

In addition to the two winners posted on the blog, subscribers were also given strong advice for Deportivo to beat Real Madrid on Sunday evening and the following gem on the USPGA golf....

"Vijay is hitting his irons incredibly well at present and as discussed last week, when the putts start to drop, you simply cannot oppose him. He is a player who can hold his form for week after week, in 2004 he won this (also second in 2006) and that was in the middle of a sequence where he went 1-1-32-1-1-1-2-1 (unbelievable), he actually won 8 of 18 starts and only Tiger in recent times has come close to that. Woods' absence has obviously had a positive mental effect on the Fijian and you can tell by his body language that he feels like the "King of the Course", so much of golf is played between the ears and Vijay has a huge advantage over his rivals in this department."

7 points Singh outright 5.0 + ..... currently 5.20 exchanges.

In order that no one missed out, I followed up yesterday with this post:

It is possible to shoot very low here, but with so many big names at the top of the leaderboard, the winner should come from the six named golfers. Weir and Villegas have not impressed in the fourth round for a very long time and we have to avoid them at short prices. Vijay's odds are little changed from yesterday and if you are not already "on", I am going to suggest a bet today, as I still see him as the most likely winner, for all the reasons outlined yesterday.

The Fijian superstar holed nothing on sunday, taking 32 putts, 9 more than Weir (!), but he continues to hit almost every green in regulation and tee to green, is playing the best golf on tour by far. If just one putt falls early today, he will feed off that and probably win this easily. As I said, the leader Weir was red hot on the greens but had a lot of trouble getting there, hitting only 50% of fairways and the same number of GIR's, he is unlikely to get as lucky a second day. Villegas has still to post a US tour win and until he does, must be opposed. I am happy with our bet, if you are not already on ......

5 points Singh outright 5.70 Betfair.

So, what happened, Villegas fell away, Vijay holed an early putt and won the tournament by a whopping five strokes, subscribers were able to sit back and enjoy !

Details of the email service can, as always, be found on the website www.predictuwin.com , you can write to me with any questions via the "contact us" button on the site.

I am still working on today's newsletter, but am likely to cover four of the lower league/ Johnstone's Paint Trophy games in England, where we have had fantastic success over the last two seasons.

Good Luck with all your bets today.

LA LIGA .............

REAL BETIS - RECREATIVO

Betis have had the cheque book out recently and completed the signings of Mehmet Aurelio, Achille Emana, Fabian Monzon, Juanma and Nelson , however, Aurelio only received international clearance on Monday and the others only joined up with the squad this week. These will surely need a little longer to gel with their team mates and the hosts are missing Rafael Sobis, Mark Gonzalez, Edu, Jose Mari and David Odonkor , which is going to leave them very short of options upfront.

Recreativo sold Pongolle and Martins, but have spent wisely, especially in the signing of Sebastian Nayar from Boca Juniors, who will add a little steel to the centre of midfield and certainly gives them a very solid look. This game should be very tight and I guess that a draw would not be too disappointing for either team, Betis will certainly improve once they have a full squad to choose from.

5.5 points Recreativo +1/2 1.93 asian line.

Good Luck.

ITALY SERIE A
CHIEVO VERONA- REGGINA

Chievo are back in the top flight after just a single season absence, they were promoted as champions and are determined to consolidate and re-establish themselves as a Serie A side. They were very busy in the off season, adding 12 new names to the squad and convinced captain and top scorer Sergio Pellissier ( 22 goals last season) to put pen to a new contract. This is a clear sign of their intent, as a number of bigger clubs had tabled bids for this key player. They are very motivated to start with a win, especially as their next home game is not until September 24th. Visitors have very limited ambitions for the campaign and would settle for one spot above the relegation zone right now .

6 points Chievo -1/2 ball 2.17 asian line..... NOW 2.0

Good Luck.

TOWN TO BURY COUNTY ....

DIVISION 2

NOTTS COUNTY - SHREWSBURY TOWN

Town have lived up to all the pre season hype / betting support and come flying out of the blocks, with three league wins. This is the division for away wins and they will be more than hopeful facing a toothless County, who have failed to score in 3 of 4 starts and are missing four key players, including their main creative output in Adam Nowland. Hard to see them trobling the visiting defence , which has yet to concede in the league, too much and Town can retain their place at the top of the table, at least for now.

5.5 points Shrewsbury -1/4 ball 2.01 asian line.

Good Luck.

BRUCEY'S BOYS TO TAME TIGERS .....

HULL CITY - WIGAN ATHLETIC

Athletic are very unfortunate to be without a point, after playing well against Chelsea last week and outplaying the Hammers at Upton Park for 75 minutes on the opening day of the season. They are tight at the back, Emile Heskey always makes a nuisance of himself and creates plenty of chances for those alongside and they have several "flair" players. Steve Bruce will have got his troops fired up and his counterpart Phil Brown's only problem will be to calm his hard working team down. They have started incredibly well, but chase so many balls that they will do well to see Christmas out, let alone May ! Wigan are the far clasier outfit and whilst it will not be easy, I am very happy with this quote.

5 points Wigan -1/4 ball 2.30 asian line.

Good Luck.

CHAMPIONSHIP .....

BURNLEY - PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

This is a very long journey for Argyle and after battling to an opening day draw with Wolves, they have not scored in three starts, or, in their last four visits here, all of which they have lost. They are very much a team in transition, having sold most of their best players. Burnley were strong in pre season and must be disappointed by the start they have made, they recorded a confidence boosting win over local rivals Oldham in the Carling Cup on tuesday and striker Martin Paterson, will be looking to carry his cup form, 4 goals in 2 starts, into the league. With just a single point to their name and facing a very tough run of fixtures after today, Burnley simply have to win, big money signing Chris Eagles has to start living up to hype, that has followed him from Old Trafford.

5.5 points Burnley -3/4 ball asian line 2.19 .

Back shortly.

WEST HAM UNITED - BLACKBURN ROVERS

Roque Santa Cruz is that most valuable of assets, a striker that plays better on the road, since arriving at Blackburn almost 70% of all his strikes, have come away from Ewood Park, which can be a souless place at times. He already has a "road" goal this season and with several bigger clubs still eyeing him up, ahead of the transfer deadline, he is sure to be "up" for it today, at Upton park, where he scored last season. Hills are a standount 3.25 on him to score anytime, when the industry average is nearer to 2.60 and if this is available to you, it should be taken. United were dire in the midweek cup tie and were booed off the field at half time.

4 points Roque Santa Cruz to score at anytime 3.25 William Hill.

Good Luck.

DIVISION 2

ROCHDALE - BURY

Despite claiming otherwise, it is hard to say anything other than Rochdale are suffering a playoff hangover from last season, when they went so close to finally climbing out of this division. They are a decent outfit and will get things right sooner or later, but have only scored against struggling Barnet in four starts and even fell behind in that game.

Today they host local rivals Bury, who have a 100% record and have impressed all watchers, including many Burnley fans, who despite winning their cup tie 2-0, felt that their Championship side were lucky to earn the win. They beat Brentford 1-0 on the opening day of the season and the Bees have won twice since, with a 5-0 goal difference. They have had much the better of their neighbours in this fixture in recent years and are unbeaten in six visits, winning four, infact, the last 30 meetings between these two have produced just 3 home wins ! Hosts remain without two key defenders and I have to side with the unchanged visitors, their supporters will make up almost 40% of the crowd and they can make the very short journey home ,happy.

6 points Bury +1/4 ball 2.13 asian line.

Good Luck.

FRIDAY UPDATE ......

With the return of league football to Italy and Spain this weekend, normality has been restored and we can look forward to nine months of top class football action .

I have previewed four of today's matches on the newsletter and just followed that up with a preview of La Liga, which included a ten point selection and a second, in another market at a very juicy 40-1 !

I will include a copy of this to anyone joining the subscription service over the weekend, full details can be found on the website www.predictuwin.com, or you can send me an email with any questions, using this link.

Good Luck with your bets today.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ........

OLYMPIAKOS - ANORTHOSIS FAMAGUSTA

Lightening doesn't strike twice, except it did ! Anorthosis repeated their 3-0 win over Rapid, with an identical scoreline against Olympiakos. The greek side were unfortunate to lose by three and have not given up on the tie yet, they can name a much stronger starting eleven this evening and will take heart from Rapid's performance in the second leg, when the austrians almost turned things around, despite conceding early. The Cypriot side are looking for a place in history as the first team from that nation to make the group stage and they have done incredibly well to come this close, regardless of what happens today. However, they are a very different club on the road and if Olympiakos keep calm, a first half lead will make this very interesting indeed. No doubt the visitors will keep ten men behind the ball and look to pinch a goal on the break. Olympiakos will win this and I see little downside even giving up such a huge handicap and I have to side with them. If/when th e second goal comes, Anor could get very nervous and the host's greater experience will be vital.

6.5 points Olympiakos -2 goals 2.0 asian line.

SLAVIA PRAGUE - FIORENTINA

Clear class difference between these two, but Fiorentina already hold a two goal lead from the first leg, will be without star player Adrian Mutu and have a Serie A opener, against their biggets rivals Juventus, at the weekend. We saw with Barce and Juve yesterday, that the big clubs are happy just to coast in the second leg, especially with domestic openers ahead and I suspect that Fiorentina will adopt a similar attitude and be happy to settle for a draw. Slavia showed little in the first game, but will offer more offensively in front of their own fans and will also be boosted by a fine 5-0 win over rivals Bohemians at the weekend.

6 points Slavia +1/4 ball 1.82 asian line.

ATLETICO MADRID - SCHALKE

Schalke had much the better of the first leg and will be very pleased with the lead and clean sheet that they take to Spain. Having said that, Atletico improved after the break and will be stronger tonight, having two extra weeks training under their belt, they will also have the considerable boost of Sergio Aguero back in the squad, he forms a fantastic partnership with Diego Forlan upfront and they can unlock any defence. I am pleased to see that Maniche has shown a return to form in pre season and he might also be given an outing, his creativity could be key in breaking down, what is sure to be a packed visiting defence. Schalke have problems, Neuer, Jones, Kristajic and Engelaar are all out, Farfan is doubtful. A packed Vicente Calderon is not the easiest place to go and it is time for Atletico to return to the big stage.

6 points Atletico -3/4 ball 2.08 asian line.

Good Luck.

'APPY HARRY TO KEEP SIR ALEX AT BAY ..... AT LEAST FOR 45 MINUTES !

PREMIERSHIP
PORTSMOUTH - MANCHESTER UNITED

I expect a very cautious opening to this game, after conceding so early at Stamford Bridge last week, Pompey will want to keep things tight early doors, to use a football cliche and United will be happy to do likewise. Portsmouth were unbeaten at home to the "Big 4" last season and have a very decent 2-2-2 record against United in their last six matches. Infact, this is their third meeting in just five weeks and the two earlier games and also the cup tie at Old Trafford in March, were all 0-0 at the break.

Sir Alex's side have been level at half time in five of their last six starts and that is what I am going with this evening. A cautious start, both still a little rusty and with each knowing the other's game very well, hopefully a borefest to begin with and some entertainment after the break !

6 points half time draw 2.25 general quote ..... a little higher is avaialble on the exchanges.

Good Luck.

SUNDAY'S EMAIL .....

Having published saturday's email in full, where we made a nominal loss, despite the two strongest wagers winning. I will also reproduce today's, when subscribers made over 34 points profit, from just three selections.

SUNDAY AUGUST 24TH

Three selections today, all strong ..........

GERMANY
BUNDESLIGA
VFL BOCHUM - WOLSBURG

I have to oppose Bochum, they are already coming in for a lot of criticism from fans and the local media, that might seem harsh after just two games, during which they failed to score in 90 minutes against lower league Preuben Munster in the cup and away at Karlsruhe, when the 1-0 scoreline could have been far worse. However, when we also add a dreadful pre season into the equation, things begin to look very bad indeed. They are nine without a win, losing five and have only scored one goal, against Japanese side Yokohama, in 450 minutes play. Even more frightening, were the huge number of clear cut chances Karlsruhe managed to create.

It is hard to see Wolfsburg, fairing less well. The visitors had a fine second half of the season, collecting 34 points after Christmas, at an average of two per game, this took them up to 5th in the Bundesliga and would have earned them second spot, if they could have carried that through the whole season. They opened with a comprehensive win in the cup and followed up with a come from behind victory over Koln, when they dominated and had 17 attempts on goal. Coach Felix Magath has got them believing and expectation is sky high for this season, they will have to do without Grafite today, who is suspended, but this is more than offset, by the unavailability of key player Joel Epalle for the hosts.

6.5 points Wolfsburg -1/4 ball 2.10 asian line. 2-2 draw Wolfsburg had 55% possession and 18 shots on goal !

SPAIN
SUPERCUP
REAL MADRID - VALENCIA

The first leg was won 3-2 by Valencia and it is hard to see tonight's match being any less prolific. Last four meetings between these two have produced 19 goals, all have been "over", with three containing five or more goals. This competition is not taken too seriously and the last 33 matches in the Super Cup, have averaged over 3.21 goals per game. Unsettled Robinho has been included in the home squad, which is missing Sneijder, Saviola, Gago, Cannavaro and Metzelder. I think both teams will be out to entertain and feel that the best way to approach is this taking the "over" 3 goal line.

6.5 points "over" 3 goals 2.28 asian line. Score 4-2

USPGA GOLF
THE BARCLAYS OUTRIGHT
VIJAY SINGH

Vijay Singh cannot putt, if he could, goodness knows how many tournaments he would have won ! As it is, his victory in the recent WGC Bridgestone Invitational, which ended a 17 month winless streak, was his 32nd on the US Tour. That has given him renewed confidence and the hardest working man in golf, is very difficult to beat, when on top of his game. His iron play is fantastic and when the putts drop, like yesterday, it is foolhardy to oppose him. Rookie leader Kevin Streelman (-8), will not have slept too well, with a host of top players, Singh, Casey, Weir and Garcia, all just a stroke back, these four are a further two shots clear of the pack.

Casey, Weir and Garcia have all disappointed at the business end of tournaments recently and I find it impossible not to see Vijay in contention come the closing holes, where it is possible to shoot low here. The Fijian superstar is six under for the last 5 holes, which is better than all his rivals and a whopping fives strokes superior to Garcia, who is favourite in many books.

6 points Vijay Singh outright 5.50 general quote .... a little 5.90 on the exchanges.Singh won by birding two of the closing holes and winning a playoff over Garcia on the 17th

Good Luck.

SATURDAY ...............

I previewed five of today's matches on the email service today and here they are, please remember that they were written last night.

CHAMPIONSHIP
COVENTRY CITY - BRISTOL CITY

Coventry have started the season well and are 100% in League and Cup. They have been creating a lot of chances and in Clinton Morrison and Freddie Eastwood, now have two strikers, who are likely to take any that come their way, both have already scored this campaign and are set to trouble a lot of Championship defences.

Hosts will be very wary of the visitors, who ended a similar strong start to last season for the Sky Blues, when they came here and won 3-0, with a bit of a smash and grab raid. Coventry had 66% possession and 19 attempts on goal, compared to their opponent's ten. That defeat started a dire run for Coventry, when little went right, after today, they face a very tough run of fixtures, with 4 of their next six away from home, against sides who all expect to be involved in the promotion race, so expect a motivated performance, from Chris Coleman's troops.

Bristol face a difficult season after going so close to promotion last time round. They are struggling to find any consistency and last weeks 1-1 draw with a Derby County side, low on confidence, was typical, when, after dominating the first half, they could easily have lost, after playing poorly after the break. A similar lack lustre display will see them come away empty handed today.

5.5 points Coventry -1/4 ball 1.96 asian line.

DIVISION 1
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN - MK DONS

I have to give Town another chance today, they have started with two draws in the league and a 4-0 thumping of neighbours Bradford in the Carling Cup and nowreally need the three points to kick start their charge. I covered them in great detail in the pre season preview, so will not go over old ground here, they have added two strong players to the squad this week, with the permanent signing of Ian Craney, who is a very good "box to box" lower league player and Liam Dickinson, who has joined on a one month loan from Derby County. Dickinson made his name at Stockport last year, where his goals earned them promotion, he has come looking for games and a few goals.

After two disappointing performances to start the season, Dons stepped up with a pleasing showing in the 1-0 home win over local rivals Northampton, but chances have been at a premium so far and this is the type of match Town have to win if they are going to get involved at the business end of this division.

5 points Huddersfield -1/2 ball 2.02 asian line

DIVISION 2
BARNET - BRENTFORD

These two clubs have the same nickname, but let's be sure about one thing, Barnet are the imitation Bees ! Brentford were very impressive in the 4-0 home win over Grimsby last week and really played some good football, against a surprisingly limited visiting side. They have a little competition for places now and in Charlie MacDonald, a striker who could be prolific at this level. The (real) Bees are determined to build on this big win, which came after a promising showing at Championship Swansea in the cup. This is a group of players still getting to know each other and they can only get stronger. They will be cheered by a large travelling support, who are likely to make up 40% of the crowd and will make a lot of noise. Home side have really struggled at the back and conceded ten goals in three starts, I do not see the visitors losing and at level ball, they look a strong bet.

6 points level ball Brentford 1.90 asian line.

LUTON TOWN - NOTTS CO

I have no qualms about taking Luton minus a half ball, given such a massive points deduction, draws have little use to them and they have obviously decided to "go for it ", in every game. They have attacked freely so far, winning twice and creating an awful lot of chances (17) in the third, an opening loss to Port Vale, when they also had something like twelve corners in the first half alone.

Town even managed to rest a couple of players and still defeated championship side Plymouth 2-0 in the Carling Cup, which shows they still retain a little quality and plenty of fight. The fans are still behind them and I expect their points total to be -24 come 5 o'clock this afternoon.

5 points Luton -1/2 ball 1.96 asian line.

SCOTLAND

DIVISION 3
ELGIN CITY - COWDENBEATH

Cowdenbeath have bounced back from a shock ,opening day hammering, from Division 3 new boys Annan, to record consecutive league wins and they could actually go top with a win today. Elgin did get off the mark finally last week , but look a poor side and when these two met here last month in the cup, The Blue Brazil won very comfortably, dominating from the kick off and easing home 2-0. That was probably expected, as they have an incredible record in the fixture, winning on 7 of 9 visits (one draw) here and with 14 wins in 17 meetings home and away, with just a single loss and ten clean sheets ! I am sure that they would be happy playing Elgin every week, the home side will be handicapped by the loss of suspended Ross O'Donoghue and seem to have it all to do, to get anything from this game. This is my strongest bet of the day.

6.5 points Cowdenbeath -1/2 ball 2.20 general quote ..... 2.25 in places.

Good Luck.

ANOTHER FREAKY FRIDAY OFFER !

Oxford, for the second away game running, decided to play the bulk of the match with ten men ! This time, having a player dismissed after just 11 minutes, this is a fairly talented group of players (at this level), who could do with the "hairdryer treatment".

If any of you are interested in joining the email service, I have another friday special, which for the first time ever, includes a freebie, an offer, plus, a guarantee ! Just send me an email via the" contact us" button on the website,www.predictuwin.com here is a quick link and I will get back to you with details.

Good Luck.

BLUE SQUARE PREMIERSHIP ......

WREXHAM - OXFORD UNITED

United made something of a nightmare start to the season, reduced to ten men , they lost to a very motivated Barrow side in their opener and then missed enough chances to win four games, at home to Weymouth. They knocked six past Eastbourne at the weekend and they are definitely a team with a lot of goals in them, the defence is a little short of names at present, but that will sort itself out soon and they will climb the table. Tonight will not be easy, but having found the net, it is hard not to see them scoring one or two and boss Darren Patterson is confident that they will be more disciplined at the back, speaking about tonight's game he said:"We believe we will score goals, and that's encouraging when you consider the players we have out through injury. We will go there positive, be a lot more solid as a unit than we were on Saturday, and as a passing fluent side I hope we play like we have done in the last two games."

Oxford have prepared very well for this, after a couple of days off, training has gone well and they had the welsh side watched by three different people.

6 points Oxford +1/2 ball 1.91 asian line..... NOW +1/4 ball

Good Luck.